Miami Marlins: Eddy Alvarez selected as Olympic flagbearer

Eddy Alvarez is no stranger to the Olympic Games. The Miami Marlins infielder was once a world class speedskater, winning a silver medal in the 2014 Winter Olympics as part of the United States 5000-meter relay team. Alvarez would retire from speed skating afterwards, signing with the White Sox as a minor league free agent.

Alvarez is back in the Olympics, this time as part of the Team USA baseball squad. He has also been selected as one of the flag bearers for the Opening Ceremony.

Miami Marlins infielder Eddy Alvarez receives incredible honor

The US Olympic team has other, better known names. There are former All Stars on the roster, players who are considered to be top prospects. But Alvarez, who had come over from Cuba as a child and is looking to become one of three people to ever win a medal in the Summer and Winter Games, was the selection.

His skating career has held back his baseball career. He had scholarship offers as a shortstop, but turned those down to focus on speed skating. Finally, at age 24, after years away from the game, he signed in the White Sox system, not receiving a signing bonus due to his relative inexperience.

But Alvarez percervered. He worked his way up the ladder in the White Sox organization, continuing to improve as he got back into baseball shape. The Marlins purchased his rights from the White Sox organization prior to the 2019 season, and in 2020, at 30 years old, he made his major league debut, getting the call as part of the slew of players brought in as the organization battled COVID.

Now Alvarez’s baseball journey has brought him to another stage. He is back in the Olympics, getting to play against some of the greatest players on the planet. In doing so, he is looking to make history once again, trying to earn a medal in both sports.

Miami Marlins infielder Eddy Alvarez is getting an incredible honor as he has been selected as one of the flag bearers for the Olympic Opening Ceremonies.